This report is submitted for your consideration of the growing problem of invasive exotic (non-native) aquatic weed infestation in Long Pond and potential weed control options.

The report was prepared by a small independent volunteer committee of Long Pond residents. The committee origin and makeup are discussed briefly at the close of this letter.

Copies of this report are being distributed to the Lakeville Water Study Board, the Taunton and New Bedford Water Departments and some Massachusetts commonwealth and regional officials. Additionally, an electronic version is being made available to the Long Pond Association with a request that the report be publicized and made available, in its entirety, to all users of their web site.

The objectives are to:

document the nature and extent of the invasive aquatic weed infestation problem
summarize results of an investigation of potential weed control options
make recommendations based on the information compiled to date

The Problem

Aquatic plants are important components of lakes and ponds, preventing erosion along the shoreline, and contributing significantly to the aquatic ecosystem, recreational use and water quality. Unfortunately, over the past several years Long Pond has been invaded by exotic (non-native) aquatic weeds that are crowding out native plants and are now spreading rapidly.

The results of recent surveys of infestation, as reported herein, may be summarized as:

2000

2001

Acres

Acres

Medium or Heavy Infestation

30

1.7

74

4.3

Total - Including Light Infestation

148

8.6

Percentages shown are the vegetated area as a percentage of Long Pond's total surface area of 1,721 acres

We are not alone. Approximately half of the 3,000 lakes and ponds in Massachusetts are infested by invasive aquatic weeds. Fanwort is the major invasive weed in Long Pond and lakes and ponds in eastern Massachusetts. Long Pond is unique as the state's largest recreational freshwater body and is particularly vulnerable to infestation due to its shallow depth, averaging 5.8 ft.

Potential Solutions

The present investigation includes a review of the following weed control options: Chemical Control, Mechanical Control, Biological Control and No Control (including continued study).